Boaters and anglers find Upper Campground positioned directly along Upper Pahranagat Lake, offering immediate water access for kayaking and fishing until the seasonal closure begins October 1st. The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with no fees, though a donation box sits at the registration station for those wanting to support the refuge.
Fifteen lakeside sites stretch along the water, with several accommodating larger RVs including 30-foot rigs with slides. Katie B. found "spots 2 and 3" could fit her 26-foot rig alongside another couple's 28-foot Bighorn "with ease." Sites feature picnic tables, grills, and fire pits, though campers must pack out all trash as no collection service exists. Vault toilets provide the only facilities, with no water, electric, or dump stations available.
The access road presents challenges with significant washboard sections that campers consistently mention in reviews. Highway 93 runs close to the campground, creating constant road noise that diminishes after dark but remains audible throughout the day. A three-mile walking trail loops around the lake, and a telescope at the south end allows wildlife viewing. The refuge hosts abundant waterfowl, and fishing produces bass, crappie, and catfish according to regular visitors.
Timing proves critical for securing spots, as the free lakeside location draws steady traffic. Campers arriving after 6:30 PM often find limited options remaining. The 14-day stay limit within a 31-day period provides flexibility for extended visits. Those exploring the broader region can find campgrounds near Alamo about six miles north, where services like gas, groceries, and dump stations are available.
Description
Fifteen primitive lakeside campsites are available along Upper Pahranagat Lake. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are free of charge, though a donation box is provided at the registration kiosk if you choose to make a contribution. The refuge may reserve sites for youth groups participating in a service project as part of their stay. If you'd like to organize a service project, contact the Visitor Services Specialist at 775-725-3417 ext. 101.
Several of the sites can accommodate multiple tents, camping trailers, or RVs. No electrical, water or waste treatment facilities are available. Vault toilets (no flush) are provided. Visitors may stay for a maximum of fourteen days within a 31 day period. Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. Generators are allowed, but if the generator is noisy it should be shut down overnight to respect other campers.
Fires are allowed only in provided grills and fire pits. Please do not construct rock fire rings.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundUpper Campground - Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is located in Nevada
Coordinates
37.29989172 N
115.12212755 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/13/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/13/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 1 hr 54 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 34 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 6 hrs 17 min from Visalia, CA
